The Temptones

Biography

The Temptones were a soul group from Philadelphia, PA. Their recording career began while they attended college and lasted less than two years, from 1966 to 1967. Daryl Hall, who went on to superstardom with John Oates, debuted with the Temptones as their lead singer. The other members were Barry Glazer, Ken Halpern, Brian Utain, and Paul Fogel (considered the fifth Temptone). Oates joined the group toward their end playing rhythm guitar on live gigs; he never recorded with the Temptones.

The guys came in second on a James Brown Talent Show in Philadelphia at the Uptown Theater. The Godfather held the contest during his two-week engagement. The prize was a little cash and a recording contract with Arctic Records. Their contracts were signed as individuals and Gamble & Huff and Jimmy Bishop produced the recordings. According to Glazer, they would rehearse the songs then cut them live at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia -- no overdubbing. Two recordings were released. Both stiffed and the association with Arctic ended. The group disbanded when one member left and another got drafted.

They were more popular live than their recordings, however. They played many gigs including two Freedom Shows in Philadelphia, the Uptown Theater, and several television shows including The Jerry Blavatt Show. Music comrades were the Vibrations, the Delfonics, the Intruders, the Temptations (Glazer called the late Paul Williams their sponsor), and fellow blue-eyed soul men, the Magnificent Men. Group members recall being booed when they first came on stage but always were applauded after being heard. Happy times included singing "Old Man River" (Temptations-style) in Philly at the Freedom Show for 10,000 people. Glazer went on to own a photo-processing lab, Paul Fogel became a doctor, and Daryl Hall became a star. In 1996, Bear Family Records in Germany released a 21-track CD of Temptone recordings. Some of the tunes are the Radiants' "Voice Your Choice," the Impressions' "I've Been Trying," and many Temptations songs. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide